But soon after the report, the office of the US Trade Representative denied the reporting, saying that "Ambassador Lighthizer has made no representations to industry executives that future Section 301 tariffs are on hold".

Trump trade advisor Peter Navarro, a staunch advocate of tariffs, was publicly sidelined this week - for the second time in his tenure with the Trump administration - after claiming in a speech on Friday that Trump was committed to a hard line with Beijing.

"As a senior career member of our intelligence community recently told me, what the Russians are doing pales in comparison to what China is doing across this country", Pence said in early October.

Asked what would happen if Beijing fails to agree to act in Asia in a way that can avoid "a new Cold War" with the United States, Pence appeared to accept that such a reality could be inevitable. He has often pointed to alleged currency manipulation, arguing that Beijing's policies hurt the USA financially.

Mr Pence said: "We seek an Indo-Pacific where every nation is free to follow its own path and pursue its own interests, where the seas and skies are open to all engaged in peaceful activity, and where sovereign nations grow stronger together".

"High-level contacts between the two sides on economics and trade have resumed following the November 1 conversation between the Chinese and American heads of state", said Gao.

Country music legend Roy Clark has died
Hallman's rep Ruth Elkins said Clark remained passionate about music until his death. "This was the icing on the cake". My first guitar book was a Roy Clark guitar method. "They identified with these clowns, and we had good music".

Carrie Underwood reveals her baby's gender on the CMA Awards
Kacey Musgraves, seen at left being embraced by Little Big Town's Karen Fairchild, took home album of the year for Golden Hour . Underwood, who is nominated for female vocalist of the year, said it is tough picking between friends when it comes to voting.

Julian Assange charged in US
It was submitted to the federal court in the eastern district of Virginia, which handles many cases involving national security. Dwyer urged a federal judge to "keep confidential the fact that Assange has been charged", according to The Washington Post .

Rockets Statement on Carmelo Anthony
Houston signed Anthony for the veteran's minimum this offseason after he was traded from Oklahoma City and bought out by Atlanta. Houston enters tonight's game against Golden State with a 6-7 record having won two straight games over IN and Denver.

Super Earth orbiting nearby star discovered after decades
But unless you observe a star regularly, there's a chance you won't happen to be looking at critical points in the planet's orbit. It moves so rapidly against the background stars that it would cross the diameter of the full Moon in a little over 100 years .

Ricardel reassigned from deputy national security post
White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Ms Ricardel will have a new role in the administration. A seat was pulled from the National Security Council to accommodate a journalist, which angered the official.